Four academic staff members of the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Abuja, have departed Nigeria for China for doctoral studies under the institution’s academic partnership with the Civil Aviation University of China (CAUC).
The four scholars, Umar Dodoji Ibrahim, Rukkayat Abdulkarim, Boussa Samuel and Zaitun Bakabe Sanusi, are beneficiaries of a PhD scholarship jointly sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
The development is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of academic staff and develop specialised manpower for Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace industry.
Speaking at a send-off event for the staff in Abuja, the acting vice-chancellor of AAAU, Mustapha Sheikh Abdullahi expressed delight that the scholarship initiative had materialised, recalling the process that led to its establishment.
He congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to remain committed to their studies, uphold the university’s standards and conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of the institution and Nigeria.
Abdullahi also encouraged the scholars to make the most of the opportunity and return with the knowledge and expertise required to contribute to the development of aviation education and the wider industry.
He said “the scholarship initiative reflects the human capital development agenda of the minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, who has prioritised investment in specialised training and academic capacity as part of efforts to advance the country’s aviation sector.
He said the initiative would contribute to building a pool of highly qualified academics to strengthen teaching, research and professional training in Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace sector.
Also speaking, the Director of Academic Planning, Professor Yahaya Ibrahim Zayanna encouraged the scholars to remain focused and take full advantage of the international academic exposure.
The beneficiaries, in their goodwill messages, expressed appreciation to the federal government, TETFund, the ministry and the university for the opportunity to pursue their doctoral studies in China.
SOURCE: LEADERSHIP NEWS PAPER
